Reading was the only Amusement I allow'd myself. — Benjamin Franklin · Smartyfair

Reading was the only Amusement I allow'd myself.

Benjamin Franklin1706–1790 · inventor · 1700s AmericaBenjamin Franklin was an inventor, writer, and one of America's founding fathers who helped draft the Declaration of Independence — and was the only Founding Father to sign all four key documents of independence: the Declaration, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitution.34 quotes

Source foundLearning1700sStories

In plain words

Books were his treat, the one fun thing he always let himself have.

Look up a word

Where these words come from

How sure this is: 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: The Autobiography (1818 first English publication), Part II.
Work: The Autobiography, Part II
Occasion: 1818 (first publication)
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026Wikiquote Sourced section, named work
en.wikisource.orgChecked using claude-fable-5, 21 August 2026Autobiography, Wikisource Section Thirty Four — verbatim incl. the archaic 'allow'd'; full sentence continues 'I spent no time in Taverns, Games, or Frolics of any kind.'

Nothing made from these words yet — Storyfaire is where they get made.

More from Benjamin Franklin

Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day.

Benjamin Franklin Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Benjamin Franklin Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

Benjamin Franklin Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Benjamin Franklin Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Benjamin Franklin Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Benjamin Franklin

More on learning

A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.Chinese proverb Do not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.

Erasmus Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body.

Joseph Addison Books think for me.

Charles Lamb A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he reads as a task will do him little good.

Samuel Johnson One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.

Malala Yousafzai